I don't understand? Concordia Portland asked to be independent?

[Matt Staneck]

And why would the college declare and post something that is not true?

This was my question. The whole thing feels bizarre. Hopefully just a poorly worded press release.

M. Staneck

[Dan Fienen]

Before we decide that someone is lying or that someone is being unfair to someone else perhaps we can wait until more information has been released and the situation has become clearer.

[pr dtp]

And why would the college declare and post something that is not true?

This was my question. The whole thing feels bizarre. Hopefully just a poorly worded press release.

M. Staneck

So this source is saying the board of trustees misspoke?  Your being too vague about what isn't correct about the press release.

[Matt Staneck]

Not trying to be vague, trying to leave space for this being a big misunderstanding. When I saw this press release my initial reaction was that this was scandalous. When I heard another version of events and then saw this thread I figured it was worth sharing that there may be another side to this. Or that (hopefully) it's just a poorly worded press release.

M. Staneck

[Charles Austin]

Press releases of this sort are rarely "poorly worded." Words on releases of such a magnitude are usually scrutinized by top officials or even by lawyers.
The statement from the college says:
"Concordia University Portland has been presented with a request by the Lutheran Church Missouri-Synod to consider becoming an independent Lutheran university."
A simple statement. Not hard to understand.
A more complete release would have said how that "request" came from the LC-MS and would have described the procedure to be followed and the possible impact on the school.
The fact that the statement is so belief suggests it is an "official communique" rather than a press release.

[Matt Staneck]

Fair enough, Pr. A.

Since I had heard two things that were (seemingly) in obvious contradiction with each other I was trying to find a charitable middle.

M. Staneck

[Dave Benke]

Dear friend of my wife's and mine is the board chair at Portland, Gloria Edwards - tremendous Christian leader who is the former head of the LWML, and has served on tons of Missouri Synod boards including the Synod's Board of Directors.  So here's something sent out to Portland Alumni, giving more information, above her name:

Dear Concordia Alumni,

On behalf of Concordia University Portland’s
Board of Regents, thank you for your service to
the University and the students entrusted to us.

The Board of Regents convened today, Friday, May
26th, to discuss a number of important items,
including the appointment of an interim
president which was carefully and thoroughly
considered. Interviews were conducted and
background documents were gathered and reviewed
by all Regents. In light of the following
information, the process for selection of an
interim president was discontinued.

The meeting also included a proposal put forward
by the Lutheran Church Missouri-Synod to
consider an organizing structure independent of
the LCMS. Over the past decade, the Church and
Concordia University Portland's leadership
have had an ongoing discussion regarding the
need for greater capitalization and financial
support. This current proposal has a number of
potential advantages for both entities.

The Board unanimously decided to move forward
with an exploratory process to research, in
greater detail, the opportunities associated
with this proposal. The regents will make a
decision only after carefully assessing our
options in terms of  what is best for the
students, faculty and staff, and the ability of
the University to continue to fulfill its
mission in an increasingly complex and competitive marketplace.

The Board recognizes that there may be some
concerns about any potential shifts in
organizing structure, and we want to assure you
that Concordia will remain a Lutheran
university, committed to our mission, ministry,
and core values, as we continue to weigh all options.

As part of this request, the Church has also
requested President Schlimpert delay his
retirement to help shepherd the exploration of
the option to operate independently. The Board
unanimously supports this decision, and is
thankful for President Schlimpert's
willingness to delay his retirement until we
have successfully navigated this exciting phase.

Faculty and staff will have an opportunity to
hear more in person and by WebEx on Wednesday,
May 31 at 9 a.m. As we embark on the process of
prayerful consideration we thank you for your
prayers, your support and your patience.

For His students,


Dr. Gloria Edwards, Chair
Concordia University Portland
Board of Regents

[Matt Staneck]

I think this letter provides helpful context. It sounds like CUP has been discussing this for a while, perhaps even with synod involved, and the latest development is that synod actually presented an idea.

M. Staneck

[John_Hannah]

It looks as though the proposal is being undertaken as a possibility with mutual (LCMS & CUP) interests considered.

Peace, JOHN

[Richard Johnson]

I wonder if there are issues here that are in some way parallel to those outlined by Brad Everett at Concordia, Edmonton, in the March 2013 Forum Letter? Basically declining Lutheran enrollment, declining synodical financial support, and the need to disaffiliate in order to boost potential fundraising from other sources?

[D. Engebretson]

I'm curious if their independence from the LCMS - if it should occur - would be along the lines of Valparaiso University?

[Charles Austin]

Richard writes:
and the need to disaffiliate in order to boost potential fundraising from other sources?

I comment:
Or to "diversify" and expand teaching and the campus experience in ways that might not be acceptable within the LC-MS? Also an impact on fund-raising and enrollment.

[John_Hannah]

I wonder if there are issues here that are in some way parallel to those outlined by Brad Everett at Concordia, Edmonton, in the March 2013 Forum Letter? Basically declining Lutheran enrollment, declining synodical financial support, and the need to disaffiliate in order to boost potential fundraising from other sources?

Certainly, declining Lutheran enrollment has been a longstanding problem due to demography in the Northwest; not many Christians, let alone, Lutheran Christians.  I think synodical financial support is nil or next to it; again a longstanding problem for all the Concordias.  I don't know anything about potential fundraising there.

Peace, JOHN

[Dave Benke]

I'm curious if their independence from the LCMS - if it should occur - would be along the lines of Valparaiso University?

Certainly that's a question.  What's involved to me in terms of response are:
a) will the board be chosen either by internal appointment or election at the district/regional level, without national LCMS board election?  That would be what "independence" from the LCMS electoral process might look like
b) will the board remain 100% LCMS?  Again, with local appointment and a percentage that fits into the Synodical RSO requirements, that might change.
c) will presidential succession be independent of the current procedure for CUS colleges?  That would again allow something like a selection that occurs in an LCMS Recognized Service Organization, which does NOT mandate an LCMS rostered person to be the agency CEO. 
d) will faculty selection be independent of the current procedure for CUS colleges?  If an RSO, then the faculty could remain with a call to service through the institution
e) what does the RSO status mean for a college?  Basic agreement with the doctrinal positions of the LCMS, but with more latitude in terms of board, faculty and leadership selection and succession.

So with zero insider knowledge, that might be where this is headed.  It's not the same as Valpo, but has some similarities.

As to the economic/financial features, I'm not dealing with those in this post.

Dave Benke

[Dave Likeness]

It would be interesting to know how much money Concordia, Portland actually receives
each year from the LCMS.   

It would be helpful to know which Concordia University has the least amount of students
studying  for full-time work as pastors, teachers, DCE's in the LCMS.